PDX braces for shutdown travel pain as FAA cuts flights
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Airport travel may get a lot more stressful as the government shutdown continues. Photo: Courtesy of Port of Portland
Flights at many major U.S. airports, including Portland's, are expected to be cut by as much as 10% in the coming days amid air traffic controller shortages linked to the longest-ever government shutdown — and more cuts could follow as Thanksgiving nears.
Why it matters: The unusual measure comes as air traffic controllers go unpaid and staffing shortages plague FAA facilities nationwide, triggering slowdowns at airports coast to coast.
Driving the news: The list of affected airports hasn't been finalized as of Thursday afternoon, but is expected to include essentially all of the busiest U.S. airfields, including Portland International Airport.
- The cuts may start at 4% Friday before ramping up to 10% over the following few days if the shutdown continues, per CNN.
Zoom in: Molly Prescott, a spokesperson for the Port of Portland, said the airport "has not received any direct notification from the FAA" regarding its intention to reduce air traffic there.
- PDX saw roughly 13,580 passenger flights in September, so a 10% reduction could cut as many as 1,300 flights over the course of a month if the shutdown drags on.
- Prescott added that airport officials remain "focused on keeping daily operations at PDX running smoothly" as airlines make changes to their schedules.
Friction point: Air traffic controllers' second $0 paycheck in a row arrives next week; they've been working without pay since Oct. 1.
- "Controllers are resigning every day now because of the prolonged nature of the shutdown," Nick Daniels, president of controller union NATCA, told CNN.
What they're saying: "If the pressures continue to build even after we take these measures, we'll come back and take additional measures," FAA administrator Bryan Bedford said Wednesday, framing the cuts as a way to preserve safety.
Behind the scenes: The FAA has been working with airlines on how to actually implement the cuts, which are meant to relieve pressure on controllers.
- United, American and Delta say they're trying to make the requested cuts while minimizing disruptions — by axing flights at periphery airports, for example.
- Most major airlines are offering free refunds if flights are canceled or rebooked without penalty, even for basic economy and nonrefundable tickets.
What we're watching: The current record-setting shutdown shows no signs of ending any time soon.
- More cuts could follow if the FAA deems them necessary, potentially affecting Thanksgiving travel later this month, which is typically one of the busiest times for Portland's airport.
Go deeper: What to do if your flight is canceled amid the shutdown